In November a long-list of contenders was announced which was then assessed and whittled down by a judging panel which included director Tom Ford and actress Natascha McElhone.

Voting for the award – the only BAFTA awarded by the public – is now open and film fans can cat their votes online at orange.co.uk/bafta and via text.

The award, now in its sixth year, was created in honour of BAFTA-winning casting director Mary Selway to recognise actors and actresses whose talent has inspired popular acclaim from the British public.

The winner will be announced at the star-studded Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 13 February 2011.